Objective: To examine the process of change in a clinical trial of behavioral and nutrition treatment for children age 18-48 months with cystic fibrosis (CF) using single-subject analysis.
Methods: The 5-week treatment included nutrition counseling and child behavioral management training for parents and was designed to increase energy intake measured by diet diaries 600-800 calories per day.
Results: Energy intake changed at each meal, only when treatment was introduced (week 1: snacks, 420 to 691; week 2: breakfast, 325 to 443; week 4: lunch, 350 to 443; and week 5: dinner, 373 to 460 calories per day). Total daily intake increased in a systematic fashion that exceeded the criterion set each week during treatment.
Conclusions: Toddlers and preschoolers with CF meet energy intake recommendations as a result of behavioral intervention. Single-subject research designs are important methodologies for advancing clinical investigation in pediatric psychology.